1. Why did the Korean Christian churches continue to grow despite harassment by the
Japanese colonial government?
To koreans, under horrible environment and hatred from Japan, Christianity was the only hope standing there to unite the people of korean. Under the name of God, they could unite as one and be mentally strong against the japaness.
2. How did conditions under the Japanese create tension within the Christian community?
Christian leaders usually opposed the Japanese government, creating a huge tension barrier.
In Han Fei's ideal state what is the supreme governing authority, the will of the ruler or the law?
Law is omnipotent; brave people can’t defy it, and smart people cannot avoid it. The law applies to all, no matter what or who. If the law stays strong, the country stays strong. Rulers should discard personal emotions and actions toward public laws to maintain the country strong.
What are the "Two Handles" and how important are they to a legalist state? Why must the sovereign never surrender control over the two handles?
The two handles are the only methods for a wise ruler to use for governing; punishing and rewarding. This is important, to judge by the law if the person behaved right or not. If yes, according to law, a reward will be given, and if not, the following consequences will be met. It is important that the Two handles doesn’t become a tyranny, judging people on the ruler’s taste. So, the sovereign, or the opinion of the people, should always top the two handles.
What roles do individuality and private initiative play in Han Fei's ideal state?
Individuals do not play significant roles in Han Fei’s ideal state. It’s all amount the union and loyalty upon the law.
Why do you think Legalism appealed to some people?
For the government and aristocrats, it must have been very appealing since it offers the absolute loyalty toward the law. The more strict the laws are, easier governing will be.
Imagine a series of conversations among a Daoist, a Confucian, and a Legalist. How would each respond on the following issues: What is the purpose of good government? What role does morality play in formulating law? What are the qualities of a superior ruler? The proposition "Might makes right."
Confucius, highlighting the idea of relationship between governors and the people under, would say a good government should be respected from the people under it, and to do so, it should listen to the underlings and make fair compromises. Since the respect, which also means obedience, should show in Confucianism, morality, or the conformity, plays a big role. Superior rulers should, again, gain respect from the lower classed people. However, Might doesn’t always make it right since unfair laws will not bring respect toward the rulers.
Daoist, importing the idea of simplicity, and peace, the purpose of good government is the government with no restrictions. Laws, even though it makes people live in harmony, restricts a simple and peaceful life and urges scheduled life. Morality is not important as Daoists don’t value harmonies between people. There is no need for a superior ruler since everyone should be living simple lives. “Might makes right” doesn’t really apply when there are no mights.
Legalist, emphasizing the idea of law, the purpose of good government is to rule people well. The morality plays huge in legalist society, since loyalty and obedience toward the law should be absolute no matter whom or what. A good ruler should discard personal hatred. Might makes right isn’t quite true in this society either, since the fairness and ethics should be the base of the laws.
Assignment 2 essential quotes of Taoism
1. The quote highlights the gateway to a place where everyone desires to be in. This is very similar to that of Christians, since the christianity encourages you to find Jesus as the only way to achieve the ticket to heaven.
2. The quote is directly related to a core belief of buddhism; desire leads to suffering. Knowing that all three, taoism, confucianism, and buddhism share this belief, we know that they are correlated to one another deeply.
3. relaxing the mind - always stay in a calm position with no mood swings
reinforcing the abdomen - this was very confusing, but I think this is highlighting the importance of inner strength and the management of it
gentling the will - yielding the will of desire to minimize the sufferings
strengthening the bones - physically build yourself healthy.
Tao says the more skills the people have, the further novelties multiply, and the better known the laws and edicts the more thieves and robbers there are. When Confucius mentions the importance of obedience and respect toward the governors, Tao tells the less we become meddlesome, the less trouble there will be.
I do not agree with him. If no one dared to take the lead in the empire, the humankind would not be where it is today. Leaders were needed in the past, we need them today, and we will need them in the future. This says that ambitious people afford to be courageous.
10/4
WIKIPOST ACTIVITY ON JAMES' WIKI
9/29
Why does the author choose a butterfly?
The butterfly symbolizes the metamorphosis, but to me, and major changes on mankind. I think butterfly is not the important part. I think anything that human cannot imagine to be is important in the dreams; anything non-human.
What is the importance of the water cycle?
What goes out come back, making a balanced cycle.
What is the point about the 'man raising melons'?
No one knows what can happen to one, and one’s position in society can change all the time.
What is the author attempting to convey to the reader?
Constant change is essential.
What do you think religion is, and what does it mean to be a religious person? Is Confucius religious? Give your reasons for thinking what you think.
Religion is something you rely on and believe in it to support you. A religious person is mentally strong by the “support” Confucius was not. He did not believe in afterlife nor praying to spiritual beings. Also, he wanted everyday respect, not a mental strength.
What do Confucius's statements about Heaven suggest about his idea of the relation between Heaven and man? How does this compare with your ideas about the relation between Heaven and man or God and man in Judaism or Christianity or another religious tradition with which you are familiar?
Confucius does not believe in heaven. In fact, he thinks that heaven is a manmade thing on earth, acquired in the harmony. This differs from the original idea of heaven, the afterlife where the endless happiness hits you. Confucius thought “heaven” could be achieved in the current life.
Here is my half of the work we did in group. I compared between shinran and pureland sect. My partner Bong has his half on his page that compares shinran and tibetian.
Religion! (9/2)
How does your religion impact your identity? Be sure to describe your journey (even if it is on-going).
My whole family is christian. My dad is very religious and leads bible study groups with my mom. My sister goes to a different church but still is a christian. For these reasons, It was natural for me to go to church every sunday and follow everyday christian rules. I prayed for every little minor things, before the meals, before I go to sleep and such. However, I was probably thinking, not truly believing, but mimicking others because I didn’t see what they called ‘god’ in reality. When I was old enough to know who I am and realize what I actually think, I believe I was 16, I stopped going to church on sundays and praying for anything. I realized there were many paradoxes and lessons that contradict one another that bible gave. Also, I did not want to approach anything religiously but realistically. So right now, I consider myself as an atheist.
How does your religion impact your family?
Christianity has done much impacts on my family because as I mentioned earlier, my whole family is christian. First of all, 10% of our earnings must be offered to the church. Secondly, religion takes a portion of our family time. Every sunday, we spend, (or they spend) at least 5-6 hours at church. Also, every meal is delayed by couple minutes for praying. Furthermore, if anything happens, either good or bad, each family members ask another to pray for them, and they do. So christianity is time and money consuming but it offers family bonding.
How does your religion impact your society (and even the world)?
My current religion, because I’m a converted atheist, gives me very neutral views of other religions. It allowed me to tell what’s logical and what’s not. When I was a christian, It also let me have natural relationship with friends at church, and I still talk to them, but after the conversion, it’s no longer happening. Personally, I like being atheist, because when you say your atheist no one asks you questions. So that’s kind of neat. I don’t think my society was impacted much because of being atheist.
WHAT DO RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY HAVE IN COMMON? And, WHY IS THE STUDY OF RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY IMPORTANT? (9/1)
Religion and Philosophy are both guidelines in one's life. They may value more than just guidelines depending on who, but usually we have trust in them and follow along.
Also they are thoughts people practice.
Study of religion and philosophy is important because everyone has individual aspects on the topic, and the study allows us to understand and interact with each other. Also, they, religion and philosophy, can be mentally helpful to rely on. Furthermore, they affect great portion of history of mankind.
B Paik Seung Wook Shawn Unit III Ancient History
Class debate over assignments 1-5 10/11
1. Why did the Korean Christian churches continue to grow despite harassment by the
Japanese colonial government?
To koreans, under horrible environment and hatred from Japan, Christianity was the only hope standing there to unite the people of korean. Under the name of God, they could unite as one and be mentally strong against the japaness.
2. How did conditions under the Japanese create tension within the Christian community?
Christian leaders usually opposed the Japanese government, creating a huge tension barrier.
- In Han Fei's ideal state what is the supreme governing authority, the will of the ruler or the law?
Law is omnipotent; brave people can’t defy it, and smart people cannot avoid it. The law applies to all, no matter what or who. If the law stays strong, the country stays strong. Rulers should discard personal emotions and actions toward public laws to maintain the country strong.- What are the "Two Handles" and how important are they to a legalist state? Why must the sovereign never surrender control over the two handles?
The two handles are the only methods for a wise ruler to use for governing; punishing and rewarding. This is important, to judge by the law if the person behaved right or not. If yes, according to law, a reward will be given, and if not, the following consequences will be met. It is important that the Two handles doesn’t become a tyranny, judging people on the ruler’s taste. So, the sovereign, or the opinion of the people, should always top the two handles.- What roles do individuality and private initiative play in Han Fei's ideal state?
Individuals do not play significant roles in Han Fei’s ideal state. It’s all amount the union and loyalty upon the law.- Why do you think Legalism appealed to some people?
For the government and aristocrats, it must have been very appealing since it offers the absolute loyalty toward the law. The more strict the laws are, easier governing will be.- Imagine a series of conversations among a Daoist, a Confucian, and a Legalist. How would each respond on the following issues: What is the purpose of good government? What role does morality play in formulating law? What are the qualities of a superior ruler? The proposition "Might makes right."
Confucius, highlighting the idea of relationship between governors and the people under, would say a good government should be respected from the people under it, and to do so, it should listen to the underlings and make fair compromises. Since the respect, which also means obedience, should show in Confucianism, morality, or the conformity, plays a big role. Superior rulers should, again, gain respect from the lower classed people. However, Might doesn’t always make it right since unfair laws will not bring respect toward the rulers.Daoist, importing the idea of simplicity, and peace, the purpose of good government is the government with no restrictions. Laws, even though it makes people live in harmony, restricts a simple and peaceful life and urges scheduled life. Morality is not important as Daoists don’t value harmonies between people. There is no need for a superior ruler since everyone should be living simple lives. “Might makes right” doesn’t really apply when there are no mights.
Legalist, emphasizing the idea of law, the purpose of good government is to rule people well. The morality plays huge in legalist society, since loyalty and obedience toward the law should be absolute no matter whom or what. A good ruler should discard personal hatred. Might makes right isn’t quite true in this society either, since the fairness and ethics should be the base of the laws.
Assignment 2 essential quotes of Taoism
1. The quote highlights the gateway to a place where everyone desires to be in. This is very similar to that of Christians, since the christianity encourages you to find Jesus as the only way to achieve the ticket to heaven.
2. The quote is directly related to a core belief of buddhism; desire leads to suffering. Knowing that all three, taoism, confucianism, and buddhism share this belief, we know that they are correlated to one another deeply.
3. relaxing the mind - always stay in a calm position with no mood swings
reinforcing the abdomen - this was very confusing, but I think this is highlighting the importance of inner strength and the management of it
gentling the will - yielding the will of desire to minimize the sufferings
strengthening the bones - physically build yourself healthy.
Tao says the more skills the people have, the further novelties multiply, and the better known the laws and edicts the more thieves and robbers there are. When Confucius mentions the importance of obedience and respect toward the governors, Tao tells the less we become meddlesome, the less trouble there will be.
I do not agree with him. If no one dared to take the lead in the empire, the humankind would not be where it is today. Leaders were needed in the past, we need them today, and we will need them in the future. This says that ambitious people afford to be courageous.
10/4
WIKIPOST ACTIVITY ON JAMES' WIKI
9/29
Why does the author choose a butterfly?
The butterfly symbolizes the metamorphosis, but to me, and major changes on mankind. I think butterfly is not the important part. I think anything that human cannot imagine to be is important in the dreams; anything non-human.
What is the importance of the water cycle?
What goes out come back, making a balanced cycle.
What is the point about the 'man raising melons'?
No one knows what can happen to one, and one’s position in society can change all the time.
What is the author attempting to convey to the reader?
Constant change is essential.
9/28
Tao the Pooh Activity
my part was #17-24
9/21
What do you think religion is, and what does it mean to be a religious person? Is Confucius religious? Give your reasons for thinking what you think.
Religion is something you rely on and believe in it to support you. A religious person is mentally strong by the “support” Confucius was not. He did not believe in afterlife nor praying to spiritual beings. Also, he wanted everyday respect, not a mental strength.
What do Confucius's statements about Heaven suggest about his idea of the relation between Heaven and man? How does this compare with your ideas about the relation between Heaven and man or God and man in Judaism or Christianity or another religious tradition with which you are familiar?
Confucius does not believe in heaven. In fact, he thinks that heaven is a manmade thing on earth, acquired in the harmony. This differs from the original idea of heaven, the afterlife where the endless happiness hits you. Confucius thought “heaven” could be achieved in the current life.
What would Confucius say?
Notes on Confucius and Confucianism
(9/20)
Havent I seen you before?
2011/9/8 (Technically 9/9 because it is now 12:30)
Here is the iMovie I uploaded on Youtube.
2011/9/8
iMovie!
Religion! (9/2)
How does your religion impact your identity? Be sure to describe your journey (even if it is on-going).
My whole family is christian. My dad is very religious and leads bible study groups with my mom. My sister goes to a different church but still is a christian. For these reasons, It was natural for me to go to church every sunday and follow everyday christian rules. I prayed for every little minor things, before the meals, before I go to sleep and such. However, I was probably thinking, not truly believing, but mimicking others because I didn’t see what they called ‘god’ in reality. When I was old enough to know who I am and realize what I actually think, I believe I was 16, I stopped going to church on sundays and praying for anything. I realized there were many paradoxes and lessons that contradict one another that bible gave. Also, I did not want to approach anything religiously but realistically. So right now, I consider myself as an atheist.
How does your religion impact your family?
Christianity has done much impacts on my family because as I mentioned earlier, my whole family is christian. First of all, 10% of our earnings must be offered to the church. Secondly, religion takes a portion of our family time. Every sunday, we spend, (or they spend) at least 5-6 hours at church. Also, every meal is delayed by couple minutes for praying. Furthermore, if anything happens, either good or bad, each family members ask another to pray for them, and they do. So christianity is time and money consuming but it offers family bonding.
How does your religion impact your society (and even the world)?
My current religion, because I’m a converted atheist, gives me very neutral views of other religions. It allowed me to tell what’s logical and what’s not. When I was a christian, It also let me have natural relationship with friends at church, and I still talk to them, but after the conversion, it’s no longer happening. Personally, I like being atheist, because when you say your atheist no one asks you questions. So that’s kind of neat. I don’t think my society was impacted much because of being atheist.
WHAT DO RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY HAVE IN COMMON? And, WHY IS THE STUDY OF RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY IMPORTANT? (9/1)
Religion and Philosophy are both guidelines in one's life. They may value more than just guidelines depending on who, but usually we have trust in them and follow along.
Also they are thoughts people practice.
Study of religion and philosophy is important because everyone has individual aspects on the topic, and the study allows us to understand and interact with each other. Also, they, religion and philosophy, can be mentally helpful to rely on. Furthermore, they affect great portion of history of mankind.